NASHVILLE (AP) — Nashville will host the seventh annual Southern Obesity Summit next fall.

Mayor Karl Dean made the announcement at the sixth annual Southern Obesity Summit, which is being held in Charlotte, N.C. The summit is the largest regional obesity prevention event in the country. It draws hundreds of participants from 16 Southern states.

Dean said in a statement that the Southeast is a battleground for the obesity issue. He said the country's fight to regain its health is going to take place here.

Dean has championed healthy, active living during his tenure as mayor. Last year, he promoted two highly successful healthy living campaigns: Walk 100 Miles with the Mayor and the Mayor's Challenge 5K Walk/Run. Together they engaged more than 10,000 Nashvillians.